Frederic de Bure of eBay says Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness is largely due to its entrepreneurs

eBay's managing director responsible for Hong Kong Frederic de Bure said: "Hong Kong has always been important for export trade, not only for China but for the rest of the world, and today as a traditional business hub for the entire world." 

Helping HK SMEs target US buyers online

Mr de Bure said in these challenging economic times Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are discovering eBay as an export platform and additional export sales channel, reaching a global community of more than 69 million buyers and sellers.

"Hong Kong's economic competitiveness is due in large part to its entrepreneurs, and eBay is an ideal tool for them to find new markets and customers. It is a proven platform that is easy to use and cost effective for SMEs and entrepreneurs," he said.

Most Hong Kong SMEs, he added, are from the toys, electronics and jewellery sectors. "These are usually sectors with a large export community and huge demand from the US."

The eBay global community buys more than HK$15 million (US$1.9 million) worth of items every hour, and the market is growing fast. In the first quarter of 2003, gross merchandise sales - the total value of goods bought and sold on eBay - grew by 70 per cent.

Mr de Bure was speaking at the recent SME Market Day organised by the Trade Development Council where more than 60 international chambers of commerce, trade promotion bodies and consulates from around the world took part.  Mr de Bure was joined by two Hong Kong SME entrepreneurs who shared their success using the world's online market place.  

Related link:
eBay www.ebay.com